Mr. Williams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of April 30th last, No. 20. Also two packages—one addressed “to the government of Salvador,” and one “to the gentleman who, at the time of the death of President Lincoln, held the office of minister of foreign affairs,” both of which I will see delivered on the return of the government to the capital.
The President, accompanied by the ministers of state and finance, the chief military officers, and a considerable party of ladies and gentlemen, left here on the 22d ultimo, on a tour through the western departments of the republic. He has been received everywhere with enthusisatic demonstrations of respect.
I was kindly invited to accompany the President, but the condition of my health would not permit the exposure and fatigue of a horseback journey. I, however, availed myself of an opportunity to make an excursion by steamer, of a few days’ duration, down the coast, and had the pleasure to meet our minister in Nicaragua, Mr. Dickinson, at Coriento, and our minister, General Lawrence, at Puerta Arena’s, on his return from the States. The United States steamship Ossipee, Captain Emmons, which touched at the ports of this republic some few weeks ago, I found at anchor in the port of Coriento (Realejo,) and I had the pleasure of a long interview with Captain Emmons on board his ship. I am informed that the United States steamship Saranac, Captain Fraily, is also at this time touching at the ports of the Central American coast.
These occasional visits of our naval vessels are not without beneficial effects in keeping alive in the minds of these people some appreciation of the naval strength and vigilance of our country. It would be better, [Page 929] perhaps, if these visits could be made with more frequency and with greater regularity.
This republic continues tranquil, and prosperous in all branches of its productions.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.